Valentine Dinner Baked Polenta Rounds

Name: Valentine Dinner Baked Polenta Rounds
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup polenta; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme); Additional grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil for drizzling

Highlighted under: Everyday Recipes

I’m excited to share my recipe for Valentine Dinner Baked Polenta Rounds, a delightful twist on traditional polenta. When we prepared these rounds for a special dinner, they immediately became a favorite. The creamy polenta offers a luxurious base while the baking adds a wonderful crispy texture. Topped with a medley of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan, they are both elegant and delicious, perfect for impressing your loved one on a romantic evening.

Created by

Naomi Ashcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:17:35.031Z

When we concocted this recipe, I wanted a dish that not only tasted amazing but looked beautiful on the plate. The vibrant color and perfect circles of the baked polenta just pop against any dinnerware, making it ideal for a romantic occasion.

I discovered that baking the polenta gives it a delightful crunch, elevating the dish’s textures. Adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving brings out all the flavors magnificently. Don’t skip this step; it truly makes a difference!

        Why You'll Love These Polenta Rounds
        A unique and elegant appetizer that stands out on any dinner table
The perfect combination of creamy and crispy textures
Easily customizable with different toppings or herbs

      

Crafting the Perfect Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your polenta is key to its success. When cooking the polenta, continuous whisking is essential to prevent lumps from forming. If it becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of vegetable broth or water — this should be done carefully to maintain the creaminess without making it too runny. Remember to taste as you go; the flavor develops as you add the cheese and seasoning.

After pouring the cooked polenta into your greased baking dish, let it cool for about 15 minutes. This allows it to set properly, making it easier to cut into neat rounds. The cooling phase also contributes to achieving the right firm texture, ensuring that each piece holds its shape once baked. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.

Elevating Flavor with Toppings

The versatility of these polenta rounds shines through with its toppings. While fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme add vibrant flavor, consider experimenting with other toppings such as caramelized onions, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. These additions can create layers of taste that complement the creamy base, each offering a unique twist to the dish, ideal for personalizing based on your or your loved one's preferences.

Drizzling olive oil over the rounds before serving is a finishing touch that enhances both flavor and presentation. A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil can noticeably elevate the dish, adding richness and complexity. If you prefer a bit of acidity, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before serving can brighten the flavors and cut through the creaminess, making each bite even more delightful.

Ingredients

For the Baked Polenta

1 cup polenta
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings

Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Polenta

In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Gradually add the polenta while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until it thickens, then remove from heat.

Add Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This will add a wonderful flavor to the polenta.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Let it cool and set for about 15 minutes.

Bake the Polenta Rounds

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the polenta is set, cut into rounds using a cookie cutter. Arrange on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Serve with Toppings

Garnish with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil just before serving for a rich finish.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as roasted vegetables, olives, or sautéed mushrooms for varied flavors.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers or want to prepare your polenta in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply ensure the polenta rounds are completely cooled before transferring to prevent moisture buildup. If you want to freeze them, lay the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes.

When reheating, consider a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the crispiness which might be lost during storage. You can also place them under the broiler for a few minutes to regain that golden, crispy finish without drying them out. Keep an eye on them while broiling to prevent burning, as it can happen quite quickly.

Customization Ideas

If you want to make this dish suitable for a crowd, it's easy to scale up the ingredients. Simply double or triple amounts while maintaining the same method – the baking time may need a slight adjustment depending on the thickness of your rounds. Additionally, consider creating themed toppings (like Mediterranean with olives and feta or Italian with marinara sauce) based on the seasonal ingredients available or your personal taste.

For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also swap the vegetable broth for a homemade stock to further enhance the flavor profile. This flexibility not only caters to dietary restrictions but also allows for creativity, encouraging you to try different combinations that resonate with your taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the polenta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the polenta in advance and simply bake it right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute that adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

→ How do I store leftover polenta?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze baked polenta rounds?

Yes, you can freeze the baked rounds. Just make sure to let them cool completely and store them in a freezer-safe container.